Cheney Free Press -

EWU's Tiuli lands Big Sky's top defender honor

In a program generally known for its offense, the Big Sky Conference spotlight this year shines on Eastern Washington University, particularly Jay-Tee Tiuli.

The senior nose tackle was named as the league’s Defensive MVP Nov. 20 as the 2018 All-Conference selections were announced. The Federal Way High School grad is among the 21 EWU players recognized.

The 6-foot, 4-inch, 320-pound Tiuli, was joined by 15 other Eastern seniors to be honored, including two-way first-team All-Big Sky performer Roldan Alcobendas as both a kicker and punter. Senior wide receiver Nsimba Webster and senior defensive end Keenan Williams, a Cheney High grad, joined Tiuli and Alcobendas as first-team performers.

“The league has spoken by naming him as the defensive MVP, and they certainly saw what we see every day at practice,” head coach Aaron Best said.

Tiuli is just the fourth Eagle to earn player of the year honors on that side of the ball, joining J.C. Sherritt (2010), Joey Cwik (2005), Chris Scott (1997) and Jason Marsh (1993).

“We’re very proud of these players, and it is very team driven,” Best said. “When you do well as a team on a particular side of the ball it’s noticed by the league’s coaches. We had an outstanding season in all three phases — offense, defense and special teams — and the all-league team reflects that.”